Texas Senate holds first hearing on redistricting

CHRIS TOMLINSON | Associated Press

Published 9:07 am, Thursday, May 30, 2013

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Minority advocates and lawmakers have blasted the process by which Texas is considering adopting new political maps, calling it discriminatory against Hispanics and African Americans.

The Texas Senate Redistricting Committee held its first public hearing on Thursday to consider adopting maps drawn by a federal court in San Antonio. But minority groups complained the maps did not go far enough to guarantee they could elect state representatives, senators or congress member of their choice.

The Republican committee chairman Kel Seliger of Amarillo promised a public and transparent process, including allowing lawmakers to change the maps. The Senate parliamentarian also made a ruling Thursday saying while the governor can name the subject of a special session, he cannot mandate what form the maps could take.